I have to agree with Dave here. Nolan won't be dropped so Barton will be shifted out to the right. Routledge's performance against Arsenal was lacklustre so he doesn't merit a start.
They brought him in from Rennes, ffs. It's not as though he was some established star from Spain or Italy. I genuinely have no idea why they gave him 80,000 pounds a week.
He denies that figure and states he only earns one-third of that amount.
Putting Guthrie on instead of a natural right winger was calling for trouble. We know Guthrie tends to cut inside so that left Perch pushing higher and that caught him off guard for at least the second goal.
Satisfied Nolan was dropped at least. Shows he has some sense.
Sell Lovenkrands and Xisco and get a proper striker.
Teach Barton how to deliver a long ball
Don't put Perch in a position where he has to defend high because Guthrie keeps moving in
Do these three things and we will stay up.
Hughton keeps surprising us. He might be using this to keep Nolan out long-term. If we get a win here, he'll just say that he doesn't want to break apart a "winning team."
Suppose all is well and good after Ben Arfa recovers and plays to the level which we have already seen. He doesn't play enough games for the permanent transfer though. Do you guys reckon that Newcastle will stump up the 5m regardless?